Brumbies v Waratahs preview

The Brumbies meet the Waratahs in Canberra for Round 4 of the 2013 Super Rugby tournament on Saturday, 9 March 2013.

The Waratahs team that will take the field has undergone some small changes from the team’s last encounter against the Rebels.

Young Super Rugby newcomer, Ben Volavola, has been given the nod to start at fullback following impressive performances every time he came off the bench. League-convert Israel Foloau then moves from fullback onto the wing for Tom Kingston.

Sita Timani will also make his appearance at lock, while Mitchell Chapman moves to blindside and Dave Dennis takes over at No 8. Lachie Turner also makes his long-awaited return, and should come off the bench to make an impact later in the game.

Volavola’s inclusion in the starting lineup will add a lot more involvement from fullback, as the young back can move into the playmaker position to mix up the attacking dynamics.

From the Brumbies side, two changes have been made to the team from Round 2, which also beat the Rebels.

Powerful Fijian-born winger Henry Speight returns to the wing, while veteran George Smith returns from a stint in Japan to boost the bench.

George Smith’s inclusion should bring experience alongside that of David Pocock and Peter Kimlin – rounding an incredibly strong ball-fetching trio, backed by Ben Mowen at number 8.

The usual threats will lie with Jessie Mogg, who already so early in the tournament has proved to be deadly effective when joining the line from fullback.

Rugby Informer’s take: The Waratahs sneaked past the Rebels last week and will be looking to improve upon that performance. The Brumbies have had a week’s rest and with the boosted squad should prove difficult for the ‘Tahs. A close one, but Brumbies by 6.

Brumbies team:

1. Ben Alexander,2. Stephen Moore,3. Dan Palmer,4. Scott Fardy,5. Sam Carter,6. Peter Kimlin,7. David Pocock,8. Ben Mowen,9. Nic White,10. Matt Toomua,11. Clyde Rathbone,12. Christian Lealiifano,13. Andrew Smith,14. Henry Speight,15. Jesse Mogg
Replacements: 16. Siliva Siliva,17. Scott Sio,18. Fotu Auelua,19. George Smith,20. Ian Prior,21. Robbie Coleman,22. Joe Tomane

Waratahs

15. Ben Volavola , 14. Israel Folau , 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper , 12. Tom Carter , 11. Drew Mitchell , 10. Bernard Foley , 9. Brendan McKibbin , 8. Dave Dennis (c) , 7. Michael Hooper , 6. Mitchell Chapman , 5. Kane Douglas , 4. Sitaleki Timani , 3. Sekope Kepu , 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau , 1. Benn Robinson
Replacements: 16. Luke Holmes , 17. Paddy Ryan , 18. Greg Peterson , 19. Lopeti Timani , 20. Pat McCutcheon , 21. Matt Lucas , 22. Lachie Turner